Taylors Bulbs History (1919 – present day)

1919 Post World War I

It was in 1919 that the Government set up a number of smallholdings for returned servicemen of the First World War. One of these Crown Colonies was at Holbeach in Lincolnshire.

Otto Augustus Taylor, as a result of being gassed in the war, was unable to return to his occupation in London.

He applied for one of these new holdings and was successful. With his wife and two sons, Stanley and Percy, he moved to the new settlement with a house and 4 hectares of land.

1946 Stanley and Percy continue with flowers and bulbs business

He soon realised that working the holding, as a small-scale version of the neighbouring farm was unlikely to provide a living for his family.

He decided to grow flowers and bulbs and became one of the pioneers of bulb growing in this country. Otto died in 1946 having seen the business grow considerably with the help of his two sons.

1968 - John, Roger and Brian join the growing business

By 1968 the family owned some 120 hectares of prime Lincolnshire silt and the nursery facilities had been expanded.

John, Roger and Brian had joined their father Percy, and uncle Stanley.

1970 - O.A. Taylor & Sons Bulbs Ltd was Formed

O.A. Taylor & Sons Bulbs Ltd was formed by the younger generation to supply bulbs to nurseries and garden centres.

With the retirement of their father and death of their uncle in 1982 the management of their father’s business passed to the three brothers.

1985 - Awarded The Royal Warrant

In 1985 the company was awarded The Royal Warrant as Bulb Growers to Her Majesty The Queen.

1991 - Awarded The Queen Mother’s Warrant

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Warrant followed this in 1991.

The firm also incorporates the Gold Medal winning Walkers Bulbs as a specialist division.

2004 - Winners of National Training Award

2008, 2009, 2010 & 2012 - GCA Associate Member of the Year Award

Garden Centre Association ‘Associate Member of the Year Award’ – This is an award that is voted for by all 160 members of the group.

2009 - 90th Anniversary

In 2009 Taylor’s Bulbs celebrated their 90th anniversary!

2009 - Adam and Sam Taylor (sons of John and Roger) become Directors

Adam takes up the reins of sales and marketing for Taylors Bulbs with Sam heading up horticultural and agricultural operations.

2013 & 2014 - GIMA Supplier of the Year Award

GIMA Awards ‘GIMA Supplier of the Year 2013 & 2014

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 - BOPP Accreditation

The British Ornamental Plant Producers’, Certification Scheme was been designed for use by growers and packers of ornamental horticultural products and by growing media producers. The objective is to ensure that customers can have complete confidence in both product and service when dealing with BOPP Certificated suppliers.

2014 & 2016 - GCA Associate Member of the Year Award

Garden Centre Association ‘Associate Member of the Year Award’ – This is an award that is voted for by all 160 members of the group.